by RAF KATIGBAK

Ask anyone who knows me. I've got about as much business sense as a freshly neutered cat. But while I may not be as financially aware as most people on this planet (I was hoping RRSP was some new form of MDMA), I know a good business saying when I hear one. Maybe it's because I love confusing people with outdated maxims that have nothing to do with the conversation at hand, but I use terms like "Stick to your knitting" and "Don't take any wooden nickels" so much that people consider me a fribble (i.e. a contemptible fop). That said, in this topsy-turvy world of dance music where today's hot track is often doomed to gather dust at the back of a record crate, the business maxim that gets the most play is "Diversify or die." New artists understand that to keep things interesting for their audience (and, more importantly, themselves), they've got to keep switching up their steez. While the results can be mixed (many critics believed Daft Punk's latest album "licked the drippings off a wet turkey's fart") sometimes it can save a career (Radiohead's OK Computer saved the band). I know my man Safety Scissors understands this (peep the disc review) and I know y'all will understand this even more at his DJ set next Dizzy Tuesday at Salon Daomé - he's hinted that he may drop a mini live set while he's at it, so don't miss it!

While next Tuesday's Safety Scissors gig is certified bananas, last Tuesday over at Blizzarts it was a teary eyed rager as the Flexout crew bid a fond farewell to their regular night. The three-year-old event was the longest running IDM night in town and leaves a hole in the hearts and headz of local experimental beat fanatics.

Also on the sad news tip, circuit party fans were crushed by 514's recent cancellation of their annual Cream event. In an open letter to the scene, President Ricardo Cordeiro said that 514 "came to the conclusion that they were not entirely satisfied with the quality of the event that was being drawn and preferred not to go through with the production of Cream 2005." Foiled again!

While we're saying goodbye, Bob Moog passed away last Sunday at his home in North Carolina. Moog's work (from the popularization of the theremin to his insanely fat sounding keyboards) has had an influence on everything from classical, jazz, and experimental music through to techno and pop. Peep www.moogmusic.com for more info on the man and the legend. Respect.

Okay, now that the ultimate sadness has been dealt with, it's time to lift the spirits: This Friday, Florida's own King of Funky Breaks DJ Icey will be working the world class subwoofers at Stereo Afterhours with the Broken Crew, and as they say in the business world, "Your ass is like a keg and he's gonna tap it."

Sunday, let's all hope that the good weather holds up as the Ninja Tune posse (Bonobo, Sixtoo, Spank Rock, Ghost Beard, DJ Luv and P-Love) host a little afternoon after-show Piknic Electronik party at Parc Jean-Drapeau. And keep your eyes and ears peeled for P-Love's new album next month. From the sounds of the first single, it's gonna be deep 'n' heavy!

PILIPINO KA BA? Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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